Little Carlos’ Funeral Expenses

Having a hard time putting words to this.

My heart is breaking for my buddy, Ruben Rivera, who lost his grandson, Carlos, yesterday, at the age of 5. He had asked to me make a post and to help write the obituary for the strongest little boy I’ve ever been blessed to know.

I’ve known Carlos since he was a tiny little dude. He came into the game shop with Ruben - bright eyed and with a huge smile. He was crawling, starting to walk around, and loving his first tortilla from his abuelito. To Carlos, Ruben was more than a grandfather. He WAS his father. Ruben stepped up as the sole caregiver for our little champ when he was only three months old, with the help of Sarah Coggenshall, who was more mom than just a grandma to Carlos.

Carlos’s life was rough from the start. He was born prematurely weighing only 2lbs, and was abandoned by his birth mother at the hospital. Baby Carlos suffered drug withdrawal during those early and crucial days. He beat those odds. He was strong and he was happy with his grandpa. In September 2018, tragedy struck again. Poor little Carlos suffered massive brain injuries as a result of a series of seizures, depriving his brain of oxygen. Carlos would fight for his life for the next four years, dealings with a slew of doctors appointments, therapy sessions, surgeries, and medications. Ruben never gave up hope. Every doctor who gave a negative prognosis was turned away to find those who would fight just as hard as Carlos and Ruben would. Ruben had big plans for little Carlos. Fishing trips, running around and playing. Things a little boy should be doing. There were dozens of surgeries and therapy sessions scheduled for this year to help improve Carlos’s quality of life and make him more comfortable… but sadly it’s too late.

I will share more information as I receive it. This Go-Fund-Me was made to help his grandfather, Ruben Rivera, switch from the ever increasing medical expenses to now, unfortunately, funeral expenses.

Rest well, Little Carlos.

Life isn’t fair and you suffered more than your fair share. But you’re running now, big guy.

Little Carlos

June 25, 2017 - Sept 19th, 2022